Boeing 737-MAX10

The longest if the MAX family, this aircraft has seen significant delays to its certification process, but despite this, it is actually one of the most successful variants with hundreds of orders from major airlines such as American Airlines and Ryanair.

I personally find this aircraft quite cool looking, it's weird to see a 737 almost larger than a Boeing 707. Never did I ever think that would happen.

Boeing 737-MAX7

Probably the worst 737 MAX variant die to its massive delays. Originally built in 2018 and still has yet to gain it's certificate. This aircraft is mainly going to be enrolled by southwest airlines.

I find the MAX7 quite a goofy looking aircraft, I just know it's power to weight is going to be absolutely ridiculous, especially because the MAX8 is already overpowered.

Ilyshian IL-96-400M

Essentially the Russian equivalent to an Airbus A340-300 despite actually being older. This aircraft actually traces its routes back to the IL-96-300 but has been stretched. And the IL-96 itself is actually a modernisation programme of the IL-86 which was quite popular. The -400M is essentially a standard -400 but with a few minor changes, it still has a 3 crew cockpit and suffers from its very outdated design.

I've always liked the look of the IL-96 but I can't help but think this aircraft is a lost cause. So it's essentially a stop gap if all the western made aircraft such as many Boeing 777's are too expensive to repair. Russia's answer to the sanctions which have been placed on them. This aircraft wouldn't be successful otherwise. So far there is an undisclosed amount of orders, but the airframe receives regular testing, although that might be for the -400PU variant which is planned.

Irkut MC-21-310

Russia's newest airliner, which on paper actually looks pretty good. But in reality it suffers from the same issues which all Russian aircraft have. They simply don't compete. This aircraft was designed to go ain't the A321 or 737-900, however it's delayed certification and recent sanctions have caused the programme to massively change. The original -300 variant will likely never be ordered, rather the -310 variant which is all Russian made will only enter production.

Another aircraft which I must admit, I do like the look of. But again it's another case of relying on sanctions to work. So far there are a few hundred orders but it's only by the state owned airlines and companies. So it's not exactly the most successful of it's bought by its own producer just under a different brand.

Tupolev TU-214

Essentially the exact same as a TU-204 however these are built at a separate plant by a separate firm. Although the whole aircraft is still controlled by the state owned cooperation known as UAC. This aircraft's entire purpose is built upon the sanctions. It is an outdated platform that originated from the late Soviet era, and was essentially developed as a direct alternative to a Boeing 757, with most of its development probably coming from intelligence gathering. This aircraft has over a hundred orders from Siberian Airlines which will use it to replace their A321neo's.

Always found this aircraft interesting, in fact these actually came with Rolls Royce engines at one point, which made them identical to a Boeing 757. Those are long gone though. But I can't help but think this is a third cry for sales from the state owned company. It just completely relies on the dependency of sanctions to gain sales. There isn't anything really wrong with this aircraft, it's just way too outdated, if it came out earlier, and from a better reputation then it would have been successful.

Airbus A330MRTT+

Built on the A330-800neo platform, this new build will be the spiritual successor to the current MRTT which is based on the -200 airframe. This is actually quite a significant achievement from Airbus because the -800N is actually their worst selling product ever. The Malaysian air force will be the launch customer.

Really happy for this, the A330neo programme has suffered some interesting history because of its late start, Boeing initially won the stage with their earlier 787 but Airbus is now gaining more and more orders as time progresses. I really look forward to seeing these ever service.

Airbus A350-1000ULR

Basically an A350-1000 but with extra ACT tanks, less cargo space, and the longer wingtips which are currently only found on the -900. This air9should also feature a walkaround space to stretch your legs on the 20+ hour flights. Qantas will be the launch and only customer, and they will fly them from Heathrow direct to Sydney.

Excited for this, my friend assembled the wings for these. They actually feature a slightly different wing structure due to the extra fuel weight, this same structure will be used on the A350F.

Boeing 777-200LRMF

A new converted freighter built on the 777-200LR platform is taking to the skies. It's essentially a 'BCF' but manufactured by Mamouth Aerospace hence the 'MF' prefix. The largest operated will be Qatar, with Emirates closely behind.

A single example is actually being converted in Manchester by STS Aerosystems.

Yakovlev SJ-100M 'SuperJet'

Basically an all russian SJ-100 with new PD-8 engines. This aircraft should also come with some new blended wings and a more spacious cabin. This aircraft is another sanction based development, but it is also just a generic refresh that was always planned. This upgrade gets rid of all the Airbus systems and french engines in replace for all Russian systems and a downscaled PD-14 from the MC-21.

I actually always loved the Superjet. It was originally developed by Sukhoi as the SU-95 but after the 2014 war the branding was changed to avoid controversyans to rebuilt the programme, Yakovlev took over the project and rebranded it as the SJ-100. I used to see these regularly as a kid and I even flew on one, they were surprisingly rather good but their unfortunate origins were their fate.

Airbus A350F

Not to enter service until 2027, but due to requiring a whole new certificate to operate, it is planned to built multiple airframes to speed this development cycle.

Super looking forward to this. I've been waiting a very long time for it to see the light of day. I really hope that this aircraft sees the best future. It is about time Airbus attempt to dominate the cargo market again.